Ghana have been dealt a blow today with the news that Michael Essien's knee injury has ruled him is out of the World Cup.

Essien has hoped to return to training in time to make the tournament this Summer after missing the majority of Chelsea's double winning season. Unfortunately it looks like Essien will now have to wait until the end of July to make a full recovery.
The official statement on the Ghana Website reads as follows:

"An evaluation by a combined team of medical experts from the Ghana Football Association and Chelsea Football Club revealed that Essien will not make full recovery until the end of July. The Ghana Football Association wishes him full recovery and a quick return to football action."

Obviously this is a massive blow for Essien, Ghana and possibly Chelsea for the new season.